[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] Former People Power Party leader Lee Jun-seok commented on former lawmaker Na Kyung-won's declaration not to run in the party leadership election, saying, "If it were me, I wouldn't have done that."
Attending the 5th anniversary event of Pen & Mike held at the Press Center in Jung-gu, Seoul, Lee was asked by reporters how he viewed Na's decision not to run. He replied, "A politician must take responsibility for their actions."
When asked, "What would you have done if it were you?" Lee said, "I would have run in the election (party leadership election)." He added, "Politicians don't always act within common sense. However, there might have been extraordinary pressure beyond common sense, or perhaps that is just how she is. That will remain an unsolved mystery." Some speculate that one reason for Na's withdrawal was pressure from the so-called 'Pro-Yoon (Pro-Yoon Seok-yeol) faction' to not run.
Regarding former lawmaker Yoo Seung-min's potential candidacy, Lee said, "Logically, he seems likely to run," but added, "These days, there are many illogical things in politics, and many decisions differ from common sense, so I won't make a hasty prediction."
Lee did not answer when asked what role he would play in the March party leadership election.
In his congratulatory speech, Lee said, "Someone must raise their voice for the freedom that allows anyone to take political action," adding, "Freedom is not when a powerful person does as they please. That is license and must be checked."
He continued, "Politics must never revolve solely around pursuing one's own interests or profits," and said, "The people we should be wary of are not those with different opinions, but those who cannot tolerate different opinions."
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